Top Ten Financial Aid Tips

FINANCIAL AID TIP 1—Apply for Financial Aid!

Apply for Financial Aid. If you have not yet done so, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov as soon as possible. Refer to the Apply for Financial Aid page for more information and Priority Dates.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 2—Review Your “to do” list on Self Service!

Once SKYCTC receives your FAFSA results, any additional information needed for financial aid will be indicated on your “to do” list in Self Service. Review your “to do” list often in case other items are added. Once all “to do” items are completed or approved, your financial aid amounts will be calculated and ready to view in Self Service.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 3—View your Financial Aid in Self-Service!

Once your financial aid file is complete, your aid will be available to view in Self Service for the current Aid Year. Financial aid is offered based on full-time enrollment; however, the “Actual” amount of financial aid you will receive is based on the number of credits you are taking and may change if your schedule changes.

Grants and KEES are automatic; however, you must request a student loan. A Loan Request link is available in Self-Service. Borrow only what you need, the loan request is for this year only! In addition to your Loan Request, you must also complete ENTRANCE COUNSELING (EC) and a MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE (MPN) at www.studentloans.gov. Come to the financial aid office for assistance with the loan request and EC/MPN process if necessary. Expect 48-72 hours for EC and MPN to be confirmed by SKYCTC once completed.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 4—Actual Financial Aid!

Financial aid in Self Service is estimated and based on being enrolled full time; however you are not required to be full time to receive financial aid. Six credits are required for most financial aid programs. Once you register for classes, you will find an amount for “Actual” financial aid on Self Service. Your “Actual” financial aid amount reflects the amount of aid you should actually receive based on your enrollment. If you have enough “Actual” financial aid to cover your tuition due, no payment is necessary. Find out more about Awards and Enrollment and Tuition and Fees on the website. "Actual" aid locks at the end of drop/add and will not be increased for classes added later!

FINANCIAL AID TIP 5—Bookstore Charges!

For your convenience, students whose “Actual” financial aid is more than the tuition amount due may be able to charge books in the campus or online bookstore. A one-time Financial Aid/Bookstore Release (FAR) is necessary before charges are allowed. Complete the FAR in Self Service. Bookstore Information including instructions and the charge period for the upcoming semester can be found on the website. Charges are limited to a specific number of days at the beginning of the term.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 6—My Account Still Has A Balance Due!

If the “anticipated aid” on your KCTCS Student Tuition Bill is enough to cover your tuition balance, no payment is necessary! The tuition amount due will remain on your account and you will continue to receive email statements until a few weeks after classes start, but there is no late fee provided your aid was approved prior to the tuition deadline.

If you do not have enough anticipated aid on your tuition bill, you must make payment arrangements with the Tuition Office immediately. A Payment Plan is available. The Tuition Office will help you determine the appropriate amount to pay.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 7—What If I Drop A Class?

Dropping a class always affects financial aid. During drop/add, your aid is adjusted to the actual number of credits you are taking. Dropping a class you never attend requires repayment of all financial aid paid based on that class. Dropping a class that has already started and receiving a “W” usually does not require repayment as long as you remain enrolled and complete your other classes; however a “W” is not considered a successful attempt. If you drop all your classes before the end of the term, you may be required to repay a portion of the aid you received based on the last day you attended class. More information about Withdrawal is available on the website.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 8—What If I Don’t Pass All My Classes?

Students who receive financial aid must meet certain standards of progress in order to remain eligible for aid in the future. In order to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, students must (1) maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average, (2) successfully complete 67% of attempted credits (remain on pace to graduate) and (3) complete their program credential within 150% of the normal credits required for completion. More information about financial aid SAP can be found on the website.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 9—When Will I Get My Refund?

Refunds are processed by the Business Office according to SKYCTC/KCTCS established timelines. Refunds normally begin about four weeks after the term starts. First-year, first-time borrowers experience a 30-day delay when receiving their first loan disbursement. A Disbursement and Refunds schedule is available on the SKY website. Disbursement dates in Self Service and on the Direct Loan Disclosure Notice are estimated and refunds are usually issued 2-3 weeks later.

FINANCIAL AID TIP 10—How Will I Get My Refund?

All new students receive a KCTCS/Higher One Debit Card in the mail at home around the time classes begin. Activation instructions will come with the card. NO FUNDS ARE ON THE CARD UPON ARRIVAL! Upon activation, you must select a refund preference. SKYCTC suggests selecting direct deposit to your regular bank account if possible. Direct deposit is the most convenient, secure and economical option. More information about the KCTCS/Higher One Debit Card can be found on the website.